Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Report: Big Reds, Big Blues, and Blue Cats Are Back

The week of September 18–25, 2026 brought fast action on two fronts. Large-model Bluefish and Big Red Drum kept the rods bent out of Solomons Island, MD, while our Blue Catfishing trips returned to the Upper Maryland Tidal Potomac with a bang. It was a week that showed just how much the fall bite has to offer.

This report walks you through each day on the water, breaks down how every species is running right now, and shows you what’s ahead as the fleet spreads out for fall. Let’s get into it.

Here’s the quick version:

• 68 Bluefish on September 18, with 30-plus in the 8–12 lb class, then Big Reds late
• Large-model Bluefish and Big Reds on September 20
• 80 Bluefish total on September 21
• 79 Blue Catfish on our first trip back to the Potomac September 24
• Rockfish Charters kicking off October 15 out of Pasadena, MD

How Was Fishing This Past Week?

In one word: loaded. Our captains put anglers on fish nearly every trip during Solomons Island charter fishing trips out of Harbor Island Marina, and the Blue Catfish crew opened their season on the Potomac in style. Here’s the day-by-day breakdown.

September 18 — 68 Bluefish, Then Big Red Chaos

What an afternoon. We boxed 68 Bluefish, and more than 30 of them were the thick 8–12 lb class that pull like freight trains. Every rod stayed busy.

Then we hit the Big Reds late in the trip, and it was pure chaos — the good kind. That’s the sort of finish that keeps anglers talking all the way back to the dock.

September 20 — Large Models and More Big Reds

We blasted the large-model Bluefish through the afternoon and into the evening. When they’re chewing like that, the action barely lets up.

Miss Susie IV added to the fun by getting into the Big Reds as well. Two heavy-hitting species in one trip is exactly what fall on the Bay is all about.

September 21 — 80 Blues on the Dot

We started with 47 medium and small Bluefish close to home, then ran a little further out for 33 larger models. That’s 80 Blues on the dot — an extremely active afternoon with rods bending the whole time.

Having fish both near and far gives us options no matter the conditions, and it kept everyone on the boat busy.

September 24 — Blue Catfish Are Back: 79 on the Potomac

Our first trip back on the Upper Maryland Tidal Potomac River did not disappoint. We landed 79 Blue Catfish, and they went straight onto our clients’ family dinner tables.

Blue Catfish are hard-pulling, great-eating fish, and a blast for anglers of every age. If opening day is any sign, this run is going to be a good one.

The takeaway: Every trip this week produced fish, with large-model Bluefish and Big Red Drum leading the charge in Solomons and Blue Catfish firing right back up on the Potomac.

Chesapeake Bay Red Drum Fishing Charters

If you want raw pulling power, big Red Drum deliver. These bruisers put a deep bend in the rod and test every muscle on the way to the boat, and this week they brought the drama.

We hit the Big Reds late on September 18 for a chaotic finish, and Miss Susie IV got into them again on September 20. With the boats staying in Solomons through October 12, there’s still a strong window to land a trophy. Chesapeake Bay Red Drum fishing charters are all about that bucket-list battle, and right now the timing is excellent.

Choose this if: you want a true trophy fight with a hard-pulling game fish.

Do this next: tell your captain up front you want to target Big Reds, and we’ll rig for it.

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish Charters

Bluefish stole the show all week. These toothy brawlers strike with fury and never quit, and we saw the whole range — from medium fryers to thick 8–12 lb models. We boxed 68 on September 18 and a clean 80 on September 21.

When they team up with Red Drum, every rod in the spread stays bent. Bluefish charters on the Chesapeake Bay are also perfect for first-timers and families, with aggressive bites and rarely a slow moment.

Choose this if: you want nonstop rod-bending action for the whole group.

Do this next: book an afternoon trip while the large models are chewing.

Blue Catfish Trips Are Back on the Potomac

Great news for fans of a bent rod and a full cooler: Blue Catfish trips have returned. Our first trip back landed 79 Blue Catfish on the Upper Maryland Tidal Potomac River, and every one of them headed home for dinner.

Blue Catfish are one of the most rewarding fisheries around — steady action, strong fights, and some of the best eating fish on the water. Miss Susie III runs these trips out of Ft. Washington, MD from September 24 through Thanksgiving.

Choose this if: you want dependable action and a box of great table fare, perfect for families and groups.

Do this next: book a Blue Catfishing trip out of Ft. Washington before the calendar fills up.

Rockfish Charters Kicking Off October 15

The fall Rockfish season is almost here, and we can’t wait. Starting October 15, Miss Susie II and IV launch fall Rockfish fishing trips out of Pasadena, MD — light-tackle live lining for Rockfish, followed by bottom fishing for jumbo White Perch through November 20.

Last fall was spectacular, and we’re expecting much of the same. Light-tackle Rockfish charters are a favorite for good reason: it’s exciting, hands-on, and produces some of the best eating on the Bay.

Choose this if: you want a classic fall Chesapeake experience with light tackle and hard bites.

Do this next: lock in your Rockfish Charter date now, before the prime October and November spots are gone.

Where the Fleet Is Headed This Fall

The fun is far from over — it’s just moving around. Here’s where each boat is fishing:

• Miss Susie III — Blue Catfishing trips out of Ft. Washington, MD, from September 24 through Thanksgiving.
• Miss Susie II and IV — chasing large-model Bluefish and Red Drum in Solomons, MD through October 12.
• Miss Susie II and IV — starting October 15, fall fishing trips out of Pasadena, MD: light-tackle live lining for Rockfish, then bottom fishing for jumbo White Perch through November 20.

Whatever you’re after this fall, we’ve got a trip and a boat ready to put you on the fish.

What to Avoid When Booking a Fall Trip

A few simple missteps can cost you the trip you want. Here’s what to watch for.

• Waiting too long. The best dates fill fast across all three fisheries once fall hits.
• Not naming your target. If you want Big Reds, Blue Cats, or Rockfish, tell us up front so we plan the day around it.
• Missing the Solomons window. The Bluefish and Red Drum run only holds through October 12 before the boats shift north.
• Overlooking the Blue Cat bite. It’s some of the most reliable, family-friendly action of the whole fall.

Book Your Fall Charter Today

The fall bite is running hot on every front — Big Reds and large-model Bluefish in Solomons, Blue Catfish back on the Potomac, and Rockfish just around the corner. Dates are moving fast as word gets out.

Grab your crew, pick your fishery, and let our expert captains put you right on the fish. Contact Miss Susie Charters today to lock in your Red Drum, Blue Catfish, or Rockfish trip before the prime fall dates are gone. We’ll be where the fish are — come join us!